Thursday, November 3rd, 2011
KHCD-2011-088-2CD (STEREO) – Richard Strauss; Also Sprach Zarathustra – Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Henry Lewis; Richard Strauss; Death and Transfiguration, Op. 24; Peter Tchaikovsky: Francesca da Rimini, Op. 32 – Lorin Maazel/New Philharmonia Orchestra – Two London Phase 4 LPs were used to create this special-priced 2 CD set. Henry Lewis’ recording with the Royal Philhamonic of Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra received good reviews when it was released in 1970, but after the Phase 4 series was completed, never was re-released on CD (from what research I have done); this is the first CD issue of this sympathetically-played taping. Lorin Maazel’s performances of Strauss’ Death and Tranfiguration and Tchaikovsky’s Francesca also receive well -balanced performances, with some subtle highlighting of solos and instrumental groupings, typical of the Phase 4 technique, but not glaringly so as in earlier Phase 4 recordings. Sonic blockbusters, ably performed, spectacularly recorded. Click here for an MP3 sample.
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